Meet Lani & Zara, The Mother & Daughter Duo Behind Aurora Art Co.
Published by Tigerlily
We have been following the talented mother and daughter duo, Lani and Zara for a while and have been fascinated by their artwork and the way it incorporates their Daru Island (a Papua New Guinea Island in the Torres Strait) heritage, unique palettes and natural elements. We called in to their Victorian studio to ask them a few questions about their life stories, their family and what inspires their work.
Lani wears the Alvara Nehara Mini Tunic Dress and Zara wears the Valda Tarani Blouse with the Valda Verina Pants.
Lani wears the Navia Tiana Midi Dress.
After years of working in both teaching and marketing, and fitting my work around family commitments, I decided to pursue my passion and teamed up with my daughter Zara who had already established an art and music customer base under the label Zara Moana.
We recall fondly one evening, having a mum and daughter moment, and deciding to launch Aurora Art a year ago.
After years of working in both teaching and marketing, and fitting my work around family commitments, I decided to pursue my passion and teamed up with my daughter Zara who had already established an art and music customer base under the label Zara Moana.
We recall fondly one evening, having a mum and daughter moment, and deciding to launch Aurora Art a year ago.
1. How long have you been creating your art?
Lani: Being mother and daughter we have always enjoyed being creative together – right from when Zara was a young child, I always supported her creative side. Zara is finishing her Fine Arts degree soon and has such a love and passion for painting and drawing.
I completed my first big canvas painting for my first house over 20 years ago and soon realised the importance of artwork in each room and creating a personal style.
1. How long have you been creating your art?
Lani: Being mother and daughter we have always enjoyed being creative together – right from when Zara was a young child, I always supported her creative side. Zara is finishing her Fine Arts degree soon and has such a love and passion for painting and drawing.
I completed my first big canvas painting for my first house over 20 years ago and soon realised the importance of artwork in each room and creating a personal style.
"Our artwork is inspired by nature, our culture & family. Zara is the eldest of 5 children and I paint as well as look after the younger siblings" - Lani
"Our artwork is inspired by nature, our culture & family. Zara is the eldest of 5 children and I paint as well as look after the younger siblings" - Lani
"Our artwork is inspired by nature, our culture & family. Zara is the eldest of 5 children and I paint as well as look after the younger siblings" - Lani
After years of working in both teaching and marketing, and fitting my work around family commitments, I decided to pursue my passion and teamed up with my daughter Zara who had already established an art and music customer base under the label Zara Moana.
We recall fondly one evening, having a mum and daughter moment, and deciding to launch Aurora Art a year ago.
Zara wears the Vergara Flores Shirred Jumpsuit.
This piece was dreamed up by Zara whilst walking in native bush close to her home.
Zara wears the Vergara Flores Shirred Jumpsuit.
This piece was dreamed up by Zara whilst walking in native bush close to her home.
2. What does it mean to be a mother/daughter duo creating art?
Zara: We feel incredibly blessed to be able to work together every day. Over the years, we often said we would love to work together, and we are so grateful that now we are living our dream.
Lani: We create pieces separately under Aurora Art Co. We each have our own styles, though we both love using rainbow motifs, shells, and natural elements, these often symbolise family members and events that are important to us. I am heavily inspired by both my ancestry and the art of the Torres Strait Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Zara wears the Valda Tarani Blouse with the Valda Verina Pants and Lani wears the Alvara Nehara Mini Tunic Dress.
3. What kind of work do you enjoy doing most?
Lani: We both love to use acrylic paint on canvas. We also really love seeing our work, especially large-scale artwork, framed and being enjoyed in someone’s home.
4. What role does an artist have in society in 2021?
Lani: Being an artist is being part of one of the world’s oldest professions and my love of art is something that I would love to pass on to my children. The power of colour is so important as it can evoke so many different emotions, whether it be a colourful painting in your home or when you wear a colourful print - colour allows you to express yourself.
We can amplify our work out to so many via social media. We are no longer restricted by either showroom or studio walls which means we can share our art and culture with people regardless of where they live in the world.
Zara wears the Vergara Flores Shirred Jumpsuit and Lani wears the Navia Tiana Midi Dress.
You can view more and purchase Lani and Zara's original artwork at auroraart.com.au. You can also follow Lani & Zara's journey at @aurora.art.co.